Founded in 2002, the Society encourages the creation of watercolor at all skill levels and promotes interest, appreciation and enjoyment of watercolor and watermedia. Please feel free to attend one of our meetings. Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, at 10 a.m. at the Cincinnati Art Club, 1021 Parkside Place, Cincinnati, Ohio, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Beth attended BrownUniversity, but while she was supposed to be in her chemistry class she found an art class to attend instead – much to the dismay of her parents!

Upon graduation, Beth worked for Macy’s, but when asked to transfer to either New York or San Francisco, she opted to come to Cincinnati and attended the CincinnatiArtAcademy, earning her Master’s degree.

While at the ArtAcademy, she was free to just “do art” and learned to love the negative space in paintings.Along with her standard classes, she worked in printmaking, gouache and finally watercolor.With 3 tubes of paint, some water, brush and paper Beth learned how exciting watercolor can be.She started painting small, and still likes smaller works, in the 16x20 or smaller range of sizes.

Following a 4-day trip to Santa Fe, she returned home and painted 75 watercolors based on her photos from that trip – which she defines as a life changing event.

Beth wanted to use traditional concepts but finds herself drawn to the abstract.She does not draw with a pencil – only her brush, and says her shapes are dictated by the brush.She adopts the philosophy of “simplify to the essence of your subject” and finds herself becoming more abstract as time goes by.

Beth was recently asked by the CincinnatiArt Museum to create some Delft tiles to accompany one of their exhibits.In addition she has worked with the CincinnatiNatureCenter and the CincinnatiAirport.

Beth’s philosophy is:

Take photos of everything you do.

Always use the best you can afford.

Train your hand to do what the eye sees.

Lose the reality but get the idea right.

Never underestimate what is stored in your brain.

For more information on this presentation – head over to Rhonda’s blog – (click here)!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

We opened our July meeting with a greeting and a quote:“Do or do not – there is no TRY”!

Our bi-annual postcards were mailed in Mid-June – please hang onto them – put them on your calendar and move them each month so you have a record of upcoming programs.You can also check the blog for more information on upcoming programs.

Our 2013-14 membership books were available at the meeting; the rest of the books will be mailed in the next week.

Remember – we have a new email for GCWS which is:grtrcincyws@gmail.You will be receiving all information from GCWS through this email from now on.

We have been a bit lax on critiques lately – please feel free to bring your work for critique at each meeting.

SHOWS

Sally Wester reported on our show at the Woman’s Art Club Barn – paintings were to be picked up on Thursday, July 11.This was our juried show, our juror was Ken Buck, and the Show winners were:1st place, Deb Ward, Industrial Revolution; 2nd place Wynne Bittlinger, Red Apples and Basket; 3rd place, Barb Zentgraf, View from Tonto; and two honorable mentions – Shirley Knollman, At the Greenhouse and Donna Cameron, Signs of Spring.

Sally will also be in charge of our show at Evergreen this fall, and has asked that you email a photo of your painting to her if you would like to have your image on the postcard for that show.Information for that show will be available at meetings and on the blog.Drop off will be Thursday, September 19 from 9:30 to noon; Reception will be Sunday, September 22 from 1-4.The show will hang from September 22 through October 27 with pick up immediately following the show or on Monday, October 28 from 10-noon.

WORKSHOPS

We are taking reservations for the Fran Mangino workshop on October 25, 26, 27.A $50 deposit to GCWS and mailed to Deb Ward will hold your place, with final payment due on or before our October GCWS meeting.

Rhonda let us know that we will be hosting a Carol Carter workshop next spring on April 5, 6, 7 – so keep those dates in mind.We have not decided on the fee for that workshop, but it will be more than $100 since Carol’s fees are higher.More information about this workshop will be coming.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The American Watercolor Society Traveling Show is currently at the MiddletownArtsCenter, 130 N. Verity Parkway, Middletown, OH.Hours are Monday: 9-4; Tuesday-Thursday 9-8:30 p.m.

The work of members Rhonda Carpenter and Jo Hogan will be exhibited at the “Art After Hours” exhibition at the Ft. Thomas Branch library on Friday evening, July 26, from 7-9 p.m.

Rhonda Carpenter’s painting Am I Blue? Is one of 7 paintings receiving a Purchase Award from the Mary Jo Cropper Family Center for Breast Care at BethesdaNorthHospital on Montgomery Road.

Deb Ward reported that she won a Judge’s Merit Award at the Rising Sun Regional show in May.Her painting Red Paisley Scarf was accepted into the Ohio Watercolor Show; Dragon Tea was accepted into ViewPoint 45; and Dragon Mum was accepted into the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society show.

VOTING

In August we will take nominations for President, Secretary, Program Chair, Show Chair and Workshop Director.Start thinking about volunteering – or nominating someone – for these positions.We will take nominations through October with new officers and chairpersons announced in November.

Diana Marra will have a Solo Exhibit at Evendale Cultural Arts Center, Opening Friday March 2 from 6-8. The Exhibit is called "A Taste of Asia" and will of course have Sake and Sushi in addition to the usual wine-and-cheese Opening fare. Exhibit is also open 12-4 on Sat. and Sunday March 3 & 4. Diana will offer a mini-workshop - "A Taste" - on Wed. March 14, 6:30-8, cost $20 / all materials provided in 3 versions of oriental-style painting. For more information contact Diana.

Diana Marra will also have an opening at Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati "Flowers Everywhere" Thursday March 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. and will have a painting in the Cincinnati Art Club Associates Show at Parkside Place where we meet for GCWS, Friday March 2 6-9.